Customer Reviews

The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

At last a gorgeous new book that does justice to the bunhead way of life. Eliza Gaynor Minden obviously cares deeply about her subject and her enthusiasm for and appreciation of ballet is infectious. Hundreds of steps and movements defined and pictured, plus practical advice such as how to evaluate teachers or schools or summer programs, how to stay healthy and prevent injury, what to eat, how to audition, how to stretch, the whys and wherefors of class etiquette, the differences among training schools, what to learn from other dance forms such as jazz or modern, plus lively takes on everything from the first pointe performance to ballet on Broadway. Great glossary that even includes dancer slang. Practical, browsable, informative, this book inspires and instructs and shows dancers of any level how to get more out of dancing.

THE BALLET COMPANION by Eliza Gaynor Minden is a book for everyone whose life is touched by dance -- to any degree, in any capacity -- whether dance is your life, or you're an occasional audience member, or you are godparent to a young dancer. The book is illustrated by, and intended equally for, males and females. The author writes to de-mystify the dance, but this will take none of the magic away. In fact, the reader will love the art with renewed vision and passion after reading her book, which is rich with photos and drawings, and alive with color.

For future dancers: Others may tell you some of what is in this book, but here you will find information no
one else may think of sharing with you. You will learn how to send the signals to your teacher, parents,
choreographer, ballet mistress, casting director, fellow dancers, audience -- and most of all, to yourself --
that you are serious about becoming a contributing presence in the world of dance.

For teachers of dance: Your identity and your lifework are validated at the outset (see p. 3, Teacher's
Credentials). Essentials of what students need to do to maximize their openness to their teachers
are stated clearly and with a sense of humor. Respect and regard for the studio and one's faculty and classmates, grooming, conduct in the theatre: these are only a thimbleful of the relevant, vitally important topics covered to everyone's benefit.

For parents and relatives of dancers: This book presents not only the essentials of classical ballet
training and technique, but also the highest standards of courtesy, consideration, integrity and
(one might say) civilization, to empower a new generation. The author's use of the English language
exemplifies elegance and clarity on every page.

For libraries: THE BALLET COMPANION is an outstanding reference book, both for readers already saturated in the art, and for inquiring minds among a general public wishing to become more familiar with what is involved in the dancing life. From stage makeup to classical terminology, from clear descriptions
of the six major schools, or heritages, of ballet -- to body esteem and injury prevention, from stage
fright to "dancer slang," the varied subjects will tantalize, inform and entertain the reader.

Inserted colorfully and with irresistible appeal into each chapter are the most important elements of
dance history, with attention to dance notation and to many idioms besides classical ballet.

No one is too advanced for this book. Eliza Gaynor Minden's way of expressing technical truths has
thrilled my teaching mind, and is perhaps even more appreciated because of my several decades in the profession. THE BALLET COMPANION is one of the first treasures to be gained by the world in this
21st century.

Book Report by Joan Kunsch
Classical Ballet Faculty/
Associate Director
Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts
Torrington, CT 06790

I really enjoyed this book. There's almost nothing out there for us adult beginners, and this book fills that gap totally. I highly recommend it for anyone starting out, but would hesitate to get it if you've already been taking classes for a few years.

The Kindle edition does not include any illustrations or charts. Some of these omitted pictures are not missed but some are important to see positions and movements and they are referred to in the text. This good book is not so good on the Kindle.

Written in lay-persons terms so I could understand. Every thing you need to know concerning ballet. - From warm ups to jumps, ribbons to toe shoes, healthy eating to injury protection, Ballet history to future diva dancer. I have been able to look up an ache, see what muscles are in the area and then look up the appropriate stretches. All in one book!

And there are 5 glossaries in the back of the book. - Ballet Terms, Music Terms, theater Teams, Social Dances, and Dancer Slang! Don't get stuck with a "Dolly Dinkle"! Be a proud "Bun Head" and be in the know! This may very well be the only dusted book in your Ballet Library.

Poor Mom of Three Darling Dancing Divas.

While any dancer will find this book of great interest, it is something that would be a true joy to the beginning ballet student. The book begins with that essential first step of selecting the correct ballet school. It proceeds from there with all that I can describe as love.

Ms. Minden has a life long love of ballet, and she brings all that to this book. It's partly, perhaps even mostly a text book. It's the positions, the muscles, the techniques. Also there are tales of history, of dancers of the past that advanced the art. There is discussion of common injuries and how to prevent them.

In essence this is the complete book of ballet. It covers just about everything (except how difficult it is to get a job as a dancer). I really wish that I could have purchased this book for my daughter when she was first getting interested in dance oh so many years ago. Oh what a Christmas present it would have made.

The Ballet Companion is an indispensable guide and reference book for older ballet student and ballet lovers of all ages. It is chock full of facts, clearly organized and beautifully iillustrated.

I bought this book on Kindle based on all the starred reviews, but the Kindle edition has no illustrations. This is deceptive, and I should have been informed before purchase. It's not the same book without illustrations.

Though the book is sub-titled A Dancer's Guide..., I consider it a must reference book for one who attends live ballet or views it on television. It explains in detail the exquisite nature of the art with outstanding pictures. For the dilettante who wants to understand how demanding a craft ballet is, this book is the answer. It covers everything significant about ballet's history, its people and its traditions.Eliza herself has rendered an extraorodianary performance and made a significant contribution to the art of ballet.

I purchased this book as a new dancer, looking to have tips and pointers that many of the students had learned after years of practice and, mainly, just a glossary of the ballet terms and their meaning. I ended up purchasing three books, this being the best book by far. This book included much helpful information from a historical perspective, quick tips, and further information on ballet whether you are an aspiring dancer or just a viewer. This makes the perfect gift for the young and old girl/boy who is interested in the dance world.

For reference: It is about 8 by 9.5 inches, very beautiful thick silk pages, has a ballet pink ribbon for a bookmark. Perfect gift that could pass off as collector's edition.